By Egbe Attah, Otukpo
A 26-year-old electrician, identified as Humble Paul, has been electrocuted in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State while reconnecting electric cables disconnected by Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) officials over non-payment of electric bill.
The Voice gathered that the incident occurred recently, at Ede Ai-agbenu community in Okpoga District of the local government, when some persons contacted the deceased to reconnect their wires for a sum of N400.
According to sources from the area, power was restored while Paul was carrying out his duty on top of the electric pole with his body resting on the wires. He was electrocuted and died instantly.
It was further gathered that the deceased had climbed the electric pole without hand gloves or any protective jackets.
The Voice‘s attempt to reach the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Okpoga and the Otukpo Regional Manager, JED for confirmation, failed as their telephone lines were not accessible as of the time of filing this report.
However, a member of staff of the company who spoke with The Voice on the conditions of anonymity confirmed the incident.
Meanwhile, the remains of the electrician have be deposited at the hospital morgue, our correspondent gathered.